CUPE: Local Children's Aid Staff Take Blue Ribbon Warning to the Public

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 20, 2009) - Front
line children's aid staff, members of CUPE Local 2501 wore blue ribbons to work
today, National Child Day, and handed out ribbons and message bookmarks in
front of City Hall warning of the growing crisis in child protection services
in Halton and across the province.

"The people we spoke to outside City Hall today were shocked
to hear that because the children's aid provincial funding shortfall is so
severe, some kids could even be in danger of being abused and yet no one's
coming to protect them," the CUPE 2501 President Vicki O'Sullivan said today.

O'Sullivan cited reports that operating funds are running
dry and layoff notices have already been issued to staff at some children's aid
societies in Ontario. "That's why we can't wait to warn the public," Ms.
O'Sullivan said.

O'Sullivan says that both union and management staff at her
children's aid office marked National Child Day today by wearing blue ribbons
at work and spreading their message of concern about child protection services
facing cuts due to provincial underfunding.

On November 20, 1989 Canada ratified the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child. The convention says governments should
protect children from harm and help them live and grow to their full potential.